June 02, 2007

It's Not Primarily About Us

A U.S.-led security crackdown in Greater Baghdad and Anbar province west of the capital began Feb. 14.

The count of violent deaths includes Iraqi civilians, government officials, and police and security forces.

The number is likely higher because many killings go unreported.

Deaths by month: May was the third-deadliest month for Iraqis since The Associated Press began tracking civilian casualties in April 2005, with at least 2,077 killed as of Wednesday. The deadliest months in the past two years were November and December 2006, when at least 2,250 and 2,309 were killed, respectively.

Inside Baghdad: At least 1,125 violent deaths, down 23 percent from 1,453 in January before the security crackdown began.

Outside Baghdad: Violent deaths totaled at least 952 in May, more than double the 458 in January.

Bodies found: Sectarian death squads are usually blamed for bodies that are found. No data for May. Since April 1, almost 1,900 bodies have been found across Iraq, including 1,157 in Baghdad.

Security personnel: At least 237 security personnel, including soldiers and police, have been reported killed in May, up from 90 in January. The number is the most for any month since July 2005.

The Iraqis had no choice about the unending death and destruction the United States government has unleashed in what was once a recognizable country, a country that never represented any serious threat to us at all.

The United States government and its lethal military did have a choice, and they do today.